Spicy King Prawns

African Spicy King Prawns Recipe with Olive Oil, Garlic, and Cilantro

Region / culture: Africa | Servings: - 4

Introduction

Spicy King Prawns is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for seafood lovers who enjoy a bit of heat in their meals. This recipe combines succulent prawns with a blend of spices to create a dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.

History

The origins of Spicy King Prawns can be traced back to the coastal regions where seafood is abundant. The combination of spices used in this recipe reflects the influence of various cultures that have contributed to the rich and diverse culinary landscape of seafood dishes.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
8 minced garlic cloves
4 tbsp of sweet paprika, reserving 2 tbsp for seasoning
1 tbsp of ground cumin
1.5 tsp of ground ginger
0.5 tsp of cayenne pepper
3 lb (1.36 kg) of large prawns, shelled and deveined
2 tsp of salt
1 cup of coarsely chopped fresh cilantro or flat leaf parsley

How to prepare

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, paprika, cumin, ginger, and cayenne. Cook until fragrant, approximately 1.5 minutes.
Add the prawns to the skillet and cook, stirring, until they turn pink, for 2 to 4 minutes.
Season with salt and the remaining paprika. Mix in the cilantro. Transfer to a platter and serve.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Substitute the prawns with chicken or tofu for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to devein the prawns properly to ensure a clean and tasty dish.

- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spicy King Prawns over a bed of rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the prawns in a hot skillet to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use shrimp or lobster instead of prawns if desired.

- Substitute the parsley with cilantro for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the prawns in the spice mixture ahead of time for even more flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Spicy King Prawns with a crisp white wine or a cold beer to complement the spicy flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

2g per serving

Fats

22g per serving

Proteins

30g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish and garlic.

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein and healthy fats, but it is also high in calories and should be enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Spicy King Prawns is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for seafood lovers looking for a bit of heat in their meals. With a blend of spices and succulent prawns, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Spicy King Prawns. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small coastal village. Our village was known for its abundance of fresh seafood, and one of our favorite dishes was spicy king prawns.

I had always been fascinated by the way my mother and grandmother cooked, using only the freshest ingredients and a pinch of this and a dash of that to create incredible flavors. So when I discovered this recipe for spicy king prawns, I knew I had to learn how to make it.

The recipe came to me by chance, from a traveling merchant who had stopped in our village to sell his wares. He was a jovial man, with a twinkle in his eye and a love for good food. As we chatted, he mentioned that he had recently visited a distant land where he had tasted the most amazing spicy king prawns.

Intrigued, I begged him to share the recipe with me. At first, he hesitated, saying that it was a family secret passed down through generations. But after much pleading and promising to keep it a secret, he finally relented and scribbled down the ingredients and instructions on a scrap of paper.

I treasured that scrap of paper like it was made of gold, carefully tucking it away in my apron pocket. I couldn't wait to try my hand at making the spicy king prawns for my family.

The next day, I set to work in the kitchen, gathering all the ingredients and following the instructions to the letter. The smell of garlic and ginger filled the air as I sautéed the prawns in a fiery chili sauce, adding just the right amount of spice to create a symphony of flavors.

As the prawns cooked, I could hardly contain my excitement. I knew that this dish would be a hit with my family, and I couldn't wait to see the looks on their faces when they tasted it.

When the spicy king prawns were finally ready, I served them up with a side of steamed rice and some fresh vegetables. My family gathered around the table, their eyes alight with anticipation.

With bated breath, they took their first bite of the spicy king prawns. And then, a chorus of "Mmm's" filled the room as they savored the delicious flavors.

I beamed with pride, knowing that I had successfully recreated the recipe for spicy king prawns and brought a little piece of culinary magic to our humble village.

From that day on, the recipe for spicy king prawns became a staple in our household. Whenever we had guests over or wanted to celebrate a special occasion, I would whip up a batch of the mouthwatering dish, always garnering compliments and requests for seconds.

As the years went by, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, learning new recipes and techniques from friends, neighbors, and even strangers passing through our village. But the recipe for spicy king prawns always held a special place in my heart, a reminder of the day I discovered the joy of cooking and sharing delicious food with the ones I love.

And now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day, I can't help but smile. The recipe for spicy king prawns may have come to me by chance, but it has since become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a testament to the power of good food and the joy of sharing it with others. And for that, I am eternally grateful.